By: Laura Sylvia
Inspired by the enchanting spirit and timeless luxury of La Belle Époque, BOUCHERIE is a refined homage to the classic French brasserie, blending the indulgence of a steakhouse with Parisian sophistication. Conceived by founder Emil Stefkov, BOUCHERIE’s design and ethos are rooted in a profound respect for French craftsmanship, tradition, and the art of dining. With four distinctive locations across New York City, along with vibrant outposts in Washington D.C. and Chicago—and a new Miami venue on the horizon—BOUCHERIE has earned a celebrated place in the hearts of diners seeking a taste of France’s culinary excellence stateside.
BOUCHERIE’s ambiance is the result of a harmonious collaboration between French artisans and the architectural essence of American spaces. Each location combines intricate French design elements with an embrace of modernity, creating an inviting atmosphere where classic meets contemporary. Central to BOUCHERIE’s philosophy is the French concept of joie de vivre, or the joy of life, which recognizes the potential for everyday pleasure in food, drink, and community. This ethos is beautifully captured in BOUCHERIE’s guide to savoring life, Joie de Vivre: Savoring the Joy of Life at the Modern Table. The book is a roadmap to French dining and living, offering recipes, cocktail guides, and a glimpse into the nuances of French culture, from absinthe to the art of cheese boards, inspired by the warm elegance of the brasserie experience.
One of BOUCHERIE’s standout and most recent NYC locations, La Grande Boucherie on 145 West 53rd Street, is a grandiose destination in the heart of Manhattan. Just steps away from the famed “Billionaires’ Row,” this location attracts a clientele as refined as its cuisine, with business magnates and lovers of French gastronomy alike. Open from 8 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 9 a.m. to midnight on weekends, it’s a perfect stop at any hour for those in search of a leisurely breakfast, midday bite, or late-night delight.
Upon entering, guests pass through a stunning glass-ceilinged atrium that leads to a sprawling dining area anchored by a grand piano, setting an opulent yet inviting tone. My experience began with a warm welcome from the attentive hosts, who seated me by the restaurant’s display of dry-aged meats—an impressive showcase of the quality that underpins BOUCHERIE’s culinary vision. The supervisor, Kelvin, a company veteran who has risen from server to leadership, greeted me warmly, offering a revitalizing PJ Breeze ($14) after my long Halloween night. This non-alcoholic refresher, crafted with lime, lavender, mint, and pineapple juice, was both invigorating and refreshing.
For appetizers, I indulged in the La Salads de Betteraves ($24), a beautifully composed dish of roasted beets, red onions, and Roquefort cream—a pairing made even more satisfying when soaked up with BOUCHERIE’s signature bread. Next, the Prosciutto de Canard ($26) stole the show, with prosciutto atop a sweet-salty medley of date cream, figs, onions, and capers. The flavors were harmoniously balanced, with each bite revealing new textures and tastes.
Curious to explore more of BOUCHERIE’s offerings, I visited their West Village location, an inviting spot with an outdoor vibe that captures the charm of a Parisian street café. Here, I began with Les Escargots ($29), featuring tender snails in a rich garlic butter with shallots, lemon, and parsley. Served with their signature bread, it was a savory classic that tasted as if straight from a Parisian brasserie. The Prime Steak Tartare ($28), beautifully presented with a quail egg atop finely chopped beef tenderloin, capers, cornichons, and shallots, was a refined, flavorful starter. For the main course, the Cuisse De Canard Confit ($42) was a masterpiece of texture and flavor—a golden-crusted Hudson Valley duck leg atop seasonal vegetables and a parsnip purée with a Comté-infused jus that added a luxurious depth to each bite.
BOUCHERIE’s approach to dining is one of timeless elegance, offering a rich experience that resonates with diners from all walks of life. From the grand spaces of La Grande Boucherie to the cozy brasserie atmosphere of its West Village locale, each BOUCHERIE location embodies French craftsmanship, culinary innovation, and a philosophy of life’s simple pleasures. With a menu that celebrates the finest ingredients, a design that invites comfort, and an atmosphere where every meal is a celebration, BOUCHERIE is truly a destination for those who seek a slice of Paris in the heart of New York City and beyond.
Check out Boucherie’s website for more information regarding hours of operation, reservations, and hosting an event!
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